WALKING out on to the hallowed turf at Lord's is every cricketer's dream.

WALKING out on to the hallowed turf at Lord's is every cricketer's dream.

And Maghull veteran Ray Rigby is all set to fulfil his lifelong ambition later this year when he umpires the National Knockout Cockspur Cup Final.

"I am thrilled to be selected - it is a dream come true," said the 61-year-old Maghull Cricket Club president.

"It is a great honour, not just for myself, but also for the Merseyside Umpires' Association, and the cricket club that I've been a part of for the last 35 years."

Ray was handed the prestigious post by Derrick Harman, the National Appointments Officer, after local sides Bootle and Ormskirk were eliminated from the Cup.

The final, which brings together the best two sides in amateur cricket from the North and South, takes place on September 7.

Ray's selection comes as just reward after more than 35 years of involvement in Merseyside cricket, including 14 years as an umpire in the Liverpool Competition.

Having joined Maghull CC in 1971, the retired police sergeant went on to play for each of the club's representative sides, including a brief spell in the first XI, but primarily as a second XI bowler, specialising in outswingers, taking more than 1,200 wickets.

In 1999 he became a fully qualified Grade 1 umpire in the Merseyside Umpires' Association while overseeing matches in the Premier League Liverpool Competition.

Having fulfilled numerous positions at Maghull CC, including treasurer, secretary and chairman, Ray is now looking forward to September 7 for the greatest honour of them all.